The well-documented challenges in researching the social impacts of the arts are closely related to key issues in contemporary social research and evaluation, most particularly the problem of causal attribution. The article contends that some of the most common criticisms of the evidence base for the social impact of the arts relate to the successionist model of change which underpins positivist social science research and evaluation. The article considers whether in fact theory-based evaluation approaches offer an effective strategy for understanding how and why arts engagement can result in social change.

This report reviews results from the 2018 Local Arts Agency Profile, an annual survey deployed in April 2018, with a particular focus on an added module to the survey about how, when, and where LAAs in the United States currently consider equity in the deployment of their funds, time, space, and staff. The data was gathered from a broadly representative sample of 537 local arts agencies in the United States of varying budget size, community size, tax status, geography, etc. Overall, the report tells a story of a field where direct and indirect practices about and centered on equity are on the rise.

Compiled by the C4AA æfficacy project research team, this exploration of arts activism is the culmination of a decade of interviews with practitioners of artistic activism and a year of reviewing the relevant academic literature and professional reports. The authors survey several sets of literature: critical theories on the relationship between arts and social change, studies on assessment from other fields concerned with creative impact such as social marketing and documentary film, and reports produced by or for arts and activist organizations.

This book examines research using anti-oppressive, arts-based methods to promote social change in oppressed and marginalized communities. The contributors discuss literary techniques, performance, visual art, and new media in relation to the co-construction of knowledge and positionality, reflexivity, data representation, community building and engagement, and pedagogy. The contributors to this volume hail from a wide array of disciplines, including sociology, social work, community psychology, anthropology, performing arts, education, medicine, and public health.

The report captures the perspectives of artists who have been commissioned to create new work with one or more CPP Places and of the CPP team members who are responsible for programming and working with artists and communities. It uses Creative People and Places practice as the starting point but pulls out transferable learning about what works when commissioning socially engaged art – for artists, for commissioners and for communities.

This paper attempts to determine the ethnic profile (sometimes called “cultural diversity”) of the museum sector workforce. It sets the museum sector workforce in the context of the population as a whole and makes some comparisons to the diversity of the wider cultural sector workforce. It looks also at positive action training schemes, targeted at under-represented minority groups, in particular the Museums Association’s Diversify scheme, looking at their cost and effectiveness in securing employment.

A report on the second demographics study issued by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Alliance of Museums, and Ithaka S+R to gauge any progress being made in diversifying leadership in arts institutions.

In January 2019, the League of American Orchestras launched The Catalyst Fund, a three-year pilot program of annual grants to adult and youth orchestras that aims to advance their understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Supported by a three-year, $2.1 million grant to the League of American Orchestras from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the fund responds to input from the League’s members that perceive “a momentum within orchestras towards serving people of all races, genders, and cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

A collaboration between a group of Sikh women in Leicester and two academic advisors from the University of Nottingham. The aim of the project was to support the women to undertake research on the contribution of Sikh soldiers to the First World War. This case study was produced in 2018 as part of the Common Cause Research project.

This
case study is part of a broader initiative called Imagine, a 5 year project
from 2013-2017. The project aimed to create spaces in which women and girls
could explore the social and cultural context of minority women in Rotherham
through writing. This case study was produced in 2018 as part of the Common
Cause Research project.

This paper attempts to determine the ethnic profile (sometimes called “cultural diversity”) of the museum sector workforce. It sets the museum sector workforce in the context of the population as a whole and makes some comparisons to the diversity of the wider cultural sector workforce. It looks also at positive action training schemes, targeted at under-represented minority groups, in particular the Museums Association’s Diversify scheme, looking at their cost and effectiveness in securing employment.

A report on the second demographics study issued by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Alliance of Museums, and Ithaka S+R to gauge any progress being made in diversifying leadership in arts institutions

In January 2019, the League of American Orchestras launched The Catalyst Fund, a three-year pilot program of annual grants to adult and youth orchestras that aims to advance their understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Supported by a three-year, $2.1 million grant to the League of American Orchestras from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the fund responds to input from the League’s members that perceive “a momentum within orchestras towards serving people of all races, genders, and cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

A collaboration between a group of Sikh women in Leicester and two academic advisors from the University of Nottingham. The aim of the project was to support the women to undertake research on the contribution of Sikh soldiers to the First World War. This case study was produced in 2018 as part of the Common Cause Research project.

This
case study is part of a broader initiative called Imagine, a 5 year project
from 2013-2017. The project aimed to create spaces in which women and girls
could explore the social and cultural context of minority women in Rotherham
through writing. This case study was produced in 2018 as part of the Common
Cause Research project.

This article draws on data from a survey of U.S. arts and design graduates to analyze the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of multi-disciplinary artistic careers. The authors propose that the practice of multiple artforms is a common, albeit under-acknowledged, component of nimbly navigating artistic labour markets, alongside other strategies such as multiple jobholding and self-employment. While there are undoubtedly benefits to specialization, overall, we find that generalist arts alumni are more likely to continue working in the arts well after graduation.

This research booklet shows the rates at which adults in the United States have been attending arts events—and reading works of literature—over a 15-year period. In partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Endowment for the Arts has conducted the SPPA seven times since 1982.

In the fall of 2017, Calgary Arts Development conducted an Arts Professionals Survey to learn how art is made in Calgary, what the lifestyle patterns and living conditions are for those working in the arts, and how Calgary is perceived as a supporter of arts activity. The survey sample comprised more than 700 artists and arts professionals.

This 2017 study out of the UK is the result of a three-year inquiry into the state of practice and research at the intersection of the arts and social care and provides recommendations on improvements of policy and practice.

This report is the result of the brainstorming process between 35 participating organizations. It looks at the policy, qualities of partnership, and research and development aspects of programs and projects dealing with culture and social inclusion.

A study led by Dr. Tom Borrup of Creative Community Builders, “Cultural Planning at 40” sheds light on the aspirations, accomplishments, shortcomings, and methods used in cultural planning over the past decade and compares it with a similar study from 1994 by Dr. Craig Dreeszen.

The James Irvine Foundation asked Nick Rabkin to take a close look at links between arts and civic engagement. As Nick reports from his wide-ranging study, there is ample evidence of compelling connections. The headline is that people who participate in arts, especially those who go beyond traditional arts audience experiences, are more likely to be active in their communities and to be making a difference in the lives of others.

Consilium Research and Consultancy (Consilium) was commissioned in June 2016 by Arts Council England to update the previous review of evidence about equality and diversity within the arts and cultural sector in England up to 2013 (Consilium 2014). This report provides a summary of the evidence collated and reviewed since 2013 and highlights key themes and trends within the evidence base to guide and inform Arts Council England’s future work around diversity.

In 2017, Calgary Arts Development undertook an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) survey of Calgary’s arts sector, as represented by the 161 non-profit arts organizations who receive annual operating funds from Calgary Arts Development. The purpose of this survey was twofold: 1). To provide detailed data necessary to construct a demographic profile of Calgary’s arts sector, and 2). To understand the extent to which Calgary arts organizations have access to policies and procedures that promote equitable and diverse workplaces.

NeighborWorks America engaged Metris Arts Consulting to lead its planning process to better understand how its network of nearly 250 affordable housing and community development organizations uses arts- and culture-based strategies and creative expression to pursue their goals, and the challenges they face doing this creative community development work. Metris completed a network scan that surveyed 75 community development organizations; facilitated 20 interviews and conversations with experts in the field and potential partners; and generated five “Bright Spot” case studies that highlight network organizations’ approaches to creative community development.

The ArtsFund Social Impact of the Arts Study frames a new way of understanding the public value of the arts in King County. With primary focus on youth development & education, health & wellness, and neighborhood vitality, the study probes the potential for arts to influence more equitable outcomes. The report combines a county-wide public poll; a landscape scan of King County arts, cultural, and heritage nonprofits; a substantive review of 150+ national research resources; and case studies of ten regional arts organizations.

A report on ways to incorporate creative skills and media-based skills into the curriculum for youth in the Seattle area. Several recommendations emerged from survey responses which included direct quotes from youth, collected anonymously, about what youth enjoy in their media arts Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and their career aspirations as they relate to the arts. They are supplemented by insights generated by in depth interviews conducted with creatives in media arts occupations in Seattle.

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) is opening a publicly accessible cultural space in King Street Station (KSS). ARTS intends to make KSS a space that works to dismantle institutional racism in and through the arts by supporting, advocating for, and prioritizing arts programming by and for communities of color and historically marginalized populations. The following report presents research and analysis on best practices related to promoting racial equity in cultural spaces.

Based on an analysis of dozens of projects, a literature review, and input from both arts and public health‒sector leaders, Tasha Golden identified several domains where arts and cultural strategies are helping drive change in community health outcomes, or to the systems in which public health practitioners operate. Among these domains, what quickly stood out was the impact of creative placemaking on mental health—including stigma; trauma; community-level stress, depression, and substance use disorders; and cultural identity. Here we have taken these four categories as a frame, describing their relevance to public health and providing examples of initiatives that address them. Our findings suggest that infusing community development with creativity and collaboration stimulates the potential for unique mental health benefits that warrant continued investment and exploration.

To better understand how creative placemaking can enhance community safety, the Urban Institute studied several creative placemaking efforts, examining their design, implementation, challenges, and successes. The goal of this work is to inform others interested in understanding how creative placemaking improves community safety and how to measure these interventions’ effectiveness.

These are recent reports that have just been added to the CultureLab Library. Similar to last month’s research share, articles this month focus on shifts happening in the arts landscape, including public perceptions, creative placemaking, and funding.

A reminder to reach out to me if you would like to see something featured in the research share. Remember that if you do not yet have access to the CultureLab Library, you can request access on the log-in page.

This report from NALAC highlights dramatic funding disparities for Latino arts and cultural organizations in Houston. The research looks at the state of arts funding in Houston from 2010 to 2015, analyzing disbursements of the Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax and four prominent Houston foundations. While Houston’s Latino communities represent 44% of the population, current support for Latino arts and culture is not proportional by any measure. The report’s launch offers an opportunity for public and private stakeholders to collaborate and find solutions to equity issues.

Arts Council England commissioned Golant Media Ventures and The Audience Agency to research how resilience is currently understood in the arts and culture sector – and whether the understanding of funders and policymakers is congruent with that of others within the sector. The new study, said to be the first substantive piece of research on resilience published by ACE since 2010, involved experts, academics and practitioners in the sector. The findings are drawn from a wide range of sources, including a literature review, interviews and over 1,000 responses to a survey.

Americans Speak Out About The Arts in 2018 is the second in a series of national public opinion surveys about the arts (the first was conducted in 2015). The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs during the week of May 9-16, 2018.

In 2017, Center for Community Progress engaged Metris to support an exploration of using creative placemaking on vacant properties to foster equitable revitalization. Throughout the project, interdisciplinary cohorts from four cities participated in learning exchanges to gain knowledge and tools.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is pleased to present the third iteration of the Government of Canada Survey of Heritage Institutions. The 2017 survey captured financial and operating data on not-for-profit heritage institutions in Canada for the 2015 data year, as well as building and capital infrastructure data for the 2017 data year.

This month’s research share contains articles that in some way address the shifts that are happening at the intersection of the arts and the public. Doeser and Kim assess models for governing cultural districts, Duncombe looks at the impact of artistic activism, Courage and McKeown compile the ever-expanding body of literature on creative placemaking, and Steven Hadley and Eleonora Belfiore challenge approaches to cultural democracy.

Thanks to the CRN members who contributed to this month’s research share. A reminder to reach out to me if you would like to see something featured next month. Remember that if you do not yet have access to the CultureLab Library, you can request access on the log-in page.

This report, commissioned by the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), draws on primary research and a literature review to capture good practices, and identifies which stakeholders should be “at the table” for informed and effective decision making and oversight. The research has also revealed the range of business models that underpin these governing entities, reviewing how cultural districts are generating revenue and expending it. The research is intended to be fully international in scope, with useful lessons for GCDN members and other practitioners around the world.

“Assessing the Impact of Artistic Activism” is an exploration of the impact of artistic forms of activism: how the affect and effect of the practice have been theorized, how it’s understood by cultural institutions and, based upon more than 50 interviews with practitioners, how artistic activists think what they do, how it works, how they know if it works, and what “working” even means in the context of a hybrid practice that mixes the arts and activism.

This report, commissioned by the Arts Council and developed by Nesta, provides insights and recommendations on how arts and cultural organizations in the United Kingdom should evolve over the next 10 years in order to adapt the ever changing ways we consume arts and culture.

The book brings together a range of scholars to critique and deconstruct the notion of creative placemaking, presenting diverse case studies from researcher, practitioner, funder and policymaker perspectives from across the globe. It opens with the creators of the 2010 White Paper that named and defined creative placemaking, Ann Markusen and Anne Gadwa Nicodemus, who offer a cortically reflexive narrative on the founding of the sector and its development. This book looks at vernacular creativity in place, a topic continued through the book with its focus on the practitioner and community-placed projects. It closes with a consideration of aesthetics, metrics and, from the editors, a consideration of the next ten years for the sector.

“Racial Equity and Arts Funding in Greater Pittsburgh” is the result of a yearlong study of hundreds of arts organizations, primary data from 20 local funders (public and private), and secondary data from publicly available resources. The research was convened by a group of 12 local arts leaders, researchers and funders who formed the Learning and Leadership Committee under the auspices of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. This Committee, a group comprised primarily of people of color, informed the core questions, frameworks, and context for the research, which was conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. The report reveals a stark contrast between funding for White-majority organizations and ALAANA organizations, with key findings including disparities in the number of arts grants, total amounts of funds, and the average amount of grant dollars received by ALAANA organizations* when compared with White/Non-Hispanic organizations.

In this report, we highlight and celebrate communities of every size and in every region that have cultivated higher levels of arts activity per person living in the community. We use the term “vibrancy” in keeping with Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word to mean “pulsating with life, vigor, or activity.” To assess arts vibrancy across America, we incorporate multiple measures under three main rubrics: supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture on a per capita basis. We gauge supply as total arts providers, demand with measures of total nonprofit arts dollars in the community, and public support as state and federal arts funding. We use multiple measures since vibrancy can manifest in many ways.

Understanding Cultural Policy provides a practical, comprehensive introduction to thinking about how and why governments intervene in the arts and culture. Cultural policy expert Carole Rosenstein examines the field through comparative, historical, and administrative lenses, while engaging directly with the issues and tensions that plague policy-makers across the world, including issues of censorship, culture-led development, cultural measurement, and globalization.

In 2016, VocalEyes published the State of Museum Access 2016 report presenting the results of an audit of 1700 UK museum websites: based on the premise that a lack of access information contributed significantly to lower attendance among disabled people. It cited evidence that disabled people rely on pre-visit information far more than non-disabled people; using a venue’s website is a vital step in the decision-making / planning process. The absence of useful access information lowers people’s confidence that barriers to access will be addressed at the venue itself, and they may change their mind about visiting, feeling excluded from the venue’s target audience. This report applies the same principle and audit methodology, with our researchers visiting the websites of 659 professional theatres, all of which programme performing arts, auditing their access information, and any mention of access services or resources. We omitted from the survey amateur, school and college theatres, and those whose programming was predominantly live music, film or stand-up comedy.

The paper describes a project that used a bespoke online platform to allow the public to commission, interact with and reflect upon two dance performances at Yorkshire Dance in Leeds, a city in northern England. The research was interested in knowing how the platform might deepen audience engagement, break down barriers to attendance, demystify the creative process, and enhance people’s appreciation of the work. Overall, they found that the platform was a powerful way to move audience engagement beyond something ‘transactional’ or momentary into a deeper and more reflective encounter. However, this only worked for a small sample of the participants, as many dropped out of the study, while some others felt that it prevented them from experiencing the more ‘instinctive’ responses they were hoping to get from the work in its finished form. Overall, the research found that those who might gain most from engaging with the platform were those least likely to use it.

Poetry, among the arts, remains understudied as a means for community development. To address this scarcity, this paper considers the use of poetry as a community development tool and discusses its uniqueness in this role. It offers a description and analysis of an exploratory, qualitative research study carried out with twelve respondents in Montreal, Canada, who participated in community-based creative writing groups. Evaluation suggested that, overall, the poetry groups made a positive contribution to community building and development. This paper locates the study in the context of community development and the arts and includes references to poetry therapy and social action-based creative writing. It also raises questions as to why poetry has not found its place on the agenda of arts-based community development.

Focusing on Turkish and Moroccan communities, this paper examines educational attainment (highest level reached), national identification (the extent to which migrants identified with the Netherlands) and social integration (number of Dutch friends) as possible factors to explain why these communities are less likely than to engage in highbrow cultural activities. As expected, highly educated migrants and those in full-time education attended highbrow cultural events more often than other migrants. More identification with Dutch society led to more cultural engagement. Migrants with social networks containing more Dutch friends and more highly education friends were more likely to engage in highbrow culture. Of these factors, the level of education was the most important in determining highbrow cultural engagement.

As natural disasters and social emergencies multiply, the need has grown for ethical, creative, and effective artistic response—arts-based work responding to disaster or other community-wide emergency, much of it created in collaboration with community members directly affected. Art Became The Oxygen was created to engage readers who share the intention of offering care and compassion and helping to create possibility in the midst or wake of crisis.

This project was commissioned by Akonadi Foundation and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation to address the lack of research on small, grassroots arts and culture organizations serving communities of color in Oakland, California. This research investigates the specificity of this sector of the ecosystem—its geography, existing infrastructure, assets, and challenges. By aggregating and analyzing the limited data on these organizations, interviewing a diverse cohort of stakeholders, and gathering existing research on organizations of color and the informal arts sector, this research project takes a first step toward understanding a complex and vibrant sector that builds social bonds, addresses community needs, and contributes to a strong sense of place in Oakland.

The arts are often considered to be at the periphery of the community development process and only a minor player in regenerating areas. Despite increasing globalization, communities are beginning to recognize their own identity, culture, traditional art forms and the value of working together at a local level. This paper is based on a recent study which shows that the arts have a role in regeneration and at a local level can be used as a tool within a wider community development programme.